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DAVID MERCER
Economist expects farmers' costs to rise sharply
- Crop prices are high, but a University of Illinois economist says the cost of the fertilizer, fuel and other things needed to grow them will go up sharply next year, too.
Investigation continues into firefighter's death
- Investigators were only beginning Wednesday to figure out why a 24-year-old volunteer firefighter was killed and another firefighter injured during a house fire in a small central Illinois community.
Park advocates want state money restored
- Conservationists fear that $14 million slashed from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' budget will lead to job cuts that could result in parks curtailing hours or even closing.
Vets returning to campus life seek help adjusting
- Returning home after three tours of duty in Afghanistan, Derek Blumke was eager to return to college. But the Air Force veteran felt unwelcome at the University of Michigan as he tried alone to manage the transition from warrior to student.
Without Wie, Oh wins State Farm in playoff
- When a red-eyed Michelle Wie left the clubhouse at Panther Creek Country Club on Saturday, it looked like she took all the drama the State Farm Classic had to offer with her.
Wie DQ'd from State Farm over scorecard mishap
- After finishing Friday and Saturday in second place at the State Farm Classic, Michelle Wie was one good round away from finally living up to her deep potential.
Kim holds State Farm lead, but Wie closes in
- Christina Kim's second-round 68 at the LPGA State Farm Classic looked ordinary compared to her opening 63, but it included a birdie putt on her last hole that gave her a one-stroke lead over the charging Michelle Wie and three others.
- Christina Kim's second-round 68 at the LPGA State Farm Classic looked ordinary compared to her opening 63, but it included a birdie putt on her last hole that gave her a one-stroke lead over the charging Michelle Wie and three others.
College-bound vets say campus needs often unmet
- Nothing Derek Blumke saw during three Air Force tours in Afghanistan prepared him for college life.